Algeria's markets are witnessing an unprecedented rise in the prices of vegetables and fruits, which has prompted the authorities to launch surprise inspections aimed at rebalancing the market.
The Anatolia news agency quoted experts as saying that the rise in prices is due to the absence of national plans to support agricultural producers, in conjunction with plans to reduce imports, as well as the speculation of traders and importers and the existing monopoly in storage and cooling networks.
The agency monitored the price increases affecting vegetables of all kinds and observed that some products have become up to 1,000% more expensive.
Garlic prices have jumped from 200 dinars ($ 1.8) per kilo to 2,000 dinars, leading Algerians to make fun of the issue on social media, even comparing the prices of garlic and meat.
Tomato prices have increased from around 80 dinars per kilo to about 200 dinars ($ 1.8), while the price of potatoes has increased from about 50 dinars to about 150 ($ 1.4).
At the same time, banana and apple prices have risen significantly in recent times, with the price per kilo exceeding 900 dinars ($ 8.2).
Algerian authorities also noted that the snowstorms that struck the country in January took a toll on the crops, as growers were unable to harvest them in time.
Source: aljazeera.net